Lying on the Couch: Shame, Guilt and Deception in the Clinical Hour – Presented by Mark Edwards, LMFT [Class]

NARRATIVE

This comprehensive seminar examines the pervasive yet under-discussed phenomenon of deception as a psychologically meaningful and relationally embedded phenomenon in psychotherapy and clinical supervision. Rather than viewing dishonesty as simple resistance, noncompliance, or willful manipulation, this seminar approaches deception as a complex clinical communication shaped by shame, guilt, fear, attachment needs, and underlying pathogenic beliefs.

Drawing on contemporary research in psychotherapeutic treatment, moral psychology, and clinical process studies, this training provides practitioners with a theoretical framework and practical toolkit for recognizing, understanding, and therapeutically addressing dishonesty in therapeutic work. The course provides clinicians with a coherent framework for understanding why clients and supervisees conceal, distort, or omit information – and how these behaviors function to manage perceived interpersonal danger. Participants will explore how shame-based and guilt-based conflicts contribute to deceptive behavior, including efforts to protect valued relationships, avoid anticipated judgment, or test the safety of authority figures.

Examining the origins of guilt and shame and the role that they play in deception, this presentation will focus on manifestations of deception in clinical work, substance use recovery and clinical supervision.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this training, attendees will be able to:

1. Differentiate shame-based and guilt-based psychological processes and explain how each contributes to deceptive behavior in psychotherapy and clinical supervision.
2. Describe the prevalence of deception within specific diagnostic and training populations.
3. Evaluate ethical and documentation considerations related to deception, including risk management, supervision responsibilities, and clinical judgment in complex cases.
4. Select appropriate interventions in circumstances of deception.
5. Integrate cultural, systemic, and power-related factors into the assessment and treatment of deception, demonstrating culturally responsive and ethically grounded clinical decision-making.
6. Demonstrate strategies to enhance supervisory relationships and minimize incidents of deception.

COURSE OUTLINE—4 hours

8:45 – 9:00 am

     Registration

9:00 – 10:00 am

     Shame and Guilt – theoretical framework.

10:00 – 11:00 am

     Understanding and recognizing client deception. Prevalence and taxonomy of deception. Issues of deception with clients in recovery. 

11:00 – 11:15 am

     Break

11:15 am – 12:00 pm

     Impact on treatment outcomes. Differential diagnosis. Documentation issues and therapeutic interventions.

12:00 – 1:00 pm

     Deception in clinical supervision.

     Questions, discussion, and course conclusion.

Content Curriculum:

• This program builds upon the foundation of a completed doctoral program in psychology by expanding case conceptualization skills acquired through clinical training. The seminar emphasizes applied theory, supervisory decision-making, and refinement of clinical judgment.
• The content is directly relevant to the practice of psychotherapy and clinical supervision across diverse treatment settings. It is grounded in established psychological theory and supported by empirical research examining therapeutic process and effectiveness over several decades.
• This program is aimed at practicing clinicians and will be useful in the supervision of master’s and pre and post-Doctoral interns. It will be delivered at the intermediate/advanced level.
• The program is based upon the published works of multiple experts in the field of psychotherapy and on the clinical practice of the presenter. Limitations are minimal and the most common risk is misinterpretation of the material or misapplication of the techniques presented. These risks are addressed through careful attention to case context.
• This program reflects an appreciation for diverse populations and acknowledges the influence of cultural, individual, and role differences on psychological development and therapeutic process. Case material and research draw from clients of varied cultural backgrounds, and the seminar addresses how systemic stressors, cultural context, clinician identity, and power differentials may shape the development of shame and guilt along with the development of deceptive practices. Cross-cultural research from U.S. and international sources is incorporated to support culturally responsive practice.

BIO:

Mark Edwards, MFT is a psychotherapist, trainer, teacher and consultant. He has maintained a private practice in San Rafael since 2000 and works with a broad client group of children, adolescents and adults. He has been a member of adjunct faculty of the Master’s program in Counseling at Sonoma State University since 2007, and was formerly Assistant Clinical Director at the Community Institute for Psychotherapy where he continues to supervise and teach post-Master’s and Pre-Doctoral interns.

COST:

CIP Members:

$100 early registration 10 business days prior to seminar; $120 after

Non-Members:

$120 early registration up to 10 business days prior to seminar, $140 after

CEs: 4 CEs for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and Psychologists

Community Institute for Psychotherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  Community Institute for Psychotherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. 

Requirements for the successful completion of the activity are attending the program in it’s entirety, and completing an evaluation form.

Cancellations must be received in writing 10 business days prior to the seminar, class, or first study group session for a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations less than ten days will not be refunded.

Accommodations will be made wherever possible for those with disabilities. Please let us know of any disabilities upon registration to ensure proper accommodations are put in place prior to the workshop/training.